Chapter 4
“See you all at practice on Monday,” Marlene says as the team goes down to the locker room
"So where are you taking him?" James asked Remus.
"Copper Crave," replied Remus.
"That sounds fancy," James commented.
"It's not. I couldn't go for something fancy because I only have an hour after practice to get ready. But I couldn't go for something fast food because that's just weird," explained Remus.
"Ah, I see," said James. "Well, what are you going to say?"
"That I'm sorry," replied Remus.
"Well, obviously, but what else?" asked James.
"I don't know. I don't really have it planned," admitted Remus.
"You don't have it planned?!" exclaimed James.
"Well, I know the gist of what I'm going to say, but it's not like I have a speech planned," defended Remus.
"You should have a speech planned," said James.
"Wouldn't that be weird? I don't want to pull out a 5-page paper on how sorry I am," protested Remus.
"It will show him you put a lot of thought into your apology," reasoned James.
"Well, that could also be a bad thing. What if he thinks I'm weird for putting too much thought into it?" worried Remus.
"He won't," reassured James.
"He could!" exclaimed Remus.
"What time are you meeting him there?" asked James, changing the subject.
"7:30, why?" replied Remus.
"Okay, so then you have two and a half hours to write and practice what you are going to say," said James.
"Well, I have to take a shower and get ready!" protested Remus.
"Well, then you are writing it in the shower!" declared James as he grabbed Remus's hand and pulled him out of the locker room.
"Are you coming with?" asked Remus.
"Obviously! I can't trust you to write a heartfelt apology all by yourself. You don't have the lovey-dovey gene in you," joked James.
Remus looked at James with a frown on his face. "You don't think I can write an apology?"
James shrugged. "I think you can, but I don't think it'll be very good."
Remus rolled his eyes. "Wow, thanks, James," he said sarcastically.
"I'm just expressing my opinion," James replied defensively.
"You're always so mean to me," Remus exclaimed.
James scoffed. "I am not! I'm probably one of the nicest people you've ever met."
Remus raised an eyebrow. "Really?
“Yes, I do!”
“You think you’re nicer than Lily, your mom, Mary-"
James interrupted, "Okay, okay, I get it."
Remus smirked. "You're probably even under Gideon."
James chuckled. "Okay, now that's pushing it."
As they walked together, James couldn't help but feel grateful for Remus, despite their teasing banter. Remus was always there for him, through thick and thin. He remembered the time when James's dad died, and Remus was the one who stayed up with him all night, making sure he didn't feel alone. Or the time when James was struggling with his schoolwork, and Remus spent hours explaining concepts until it finally clicked for
As they arrived at their destination, James turned to Remus and said, "You know, you're right. You are a great writer, and I'm sure your apology will be amazing."
Remus smiled. "Thanks, James. I appreciate your support."
James grinned. "Of course, man. That's what friends are for."
Remus arrives at his house with James and they both head to the bathroom. Remus starts to take a shower, while James stands outside the bathroom door, waiting for him to finish. As Remus showers, James starts to discuss his apology with him. James wants to make sure that he has written the perfect apology, so he asks Remus for his opinion on the letter. Once Remus is out of the shower, he takes the apology from James and starts to practice it. Remus repeats the entire speech at least 50 times before leaving for the restaurant. James is adamant that Remus gets there early so that he can show that he cares. So, he makes him leave 10 minutes early. James takes Remus to the restaurant and drops him off.
Before leaving, James reassures Remus, “You got this just give him your heart.”
Shocked, Remus asks, “My heart?”
James smiles, “Just follow the paper I gave you. Believe in yourself and show him how sorry you are. Remember, sincerity is key.” James says as he drives off and points to Remus.
Remus walks into the restaurant, glancing around nervously as he searches for his table. He spots it at the back corner, hidden from view, and makes his way over, hoping to avoid the paparazzi or any fans who may recognize him.
As he waits for Sirius to arrive, Remus feels his anxiety mounting. He fidgets with his napkin, straightening and re-folding it multiple times. He checks his watch, then his phone, then his watch again. Five minutes pass, and just as Remus is starting to worry that Sirius won't show, he sees him at the door.
Relief floods through him as he waves and smiles at him, who returns the gesture with a small wave of his own. But as Sirius approaches the table, Remus's nerves return with a vengeance. He can feel his heart pounding in his chest, and his hand trembles slightly as he reaches out to shake Sirius's hand.